City of Oceanside

The City of Oceanside, incorporated in 1888, is a municipal corporation and has a five-member elected City Council that serves as the legislative body of the corporation. As elected officials, the Mayor and City Councilmembers serve at the pleasure of the voters and make decisions on issues and policies relating to general City operations. The City Council also serves as the Small Craft Harbor District Board of Directors, the Community Development Commission (CDC), and the Oceanside Public Financing Authority.

The City of Oceanside is a Charter City as of June 8, 2010. A City governed on the basis of a Charter establishes its powers and authorities, as contrasted with a General Law City that enjoys only those powers specifically granted to it by the State.